If you’re living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), you’ll understand this without needing much explanation.
There comes a point where things that used to feel simple suddenly don’t.
Opening a jar. Pulling a ring tab. Holding a knife. Even gripping something for a few seconds can lead to pain, instability, or that awful moment where a joint just… slips.
Lately, I’ve found my wrists and thumbs are not as strong as they used to be, and subluxations are becoming more frequent. And if I’m honest, it’s been frustrating.
But here’s what I’ve learned.
It’s not about pushing through.
It’s about protecting your joints and working with your body, not against it.
So I wanted to share the practical aids that have genuinely made a difference for me.
💡 A quick note
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
I only ever recommend things I genuinely believe will help make life a little easier.
Why Hand and Wrist Support Matters with EDS
With EDS, our joints are more unstable due to connective tissue differences. That means repetitive strain, gripping, twisting, and pressure can quickly lead to:
Pain and fatigue Subluxations and dislocations Loss of strength over time
Using aids is not “giving in”.
It’s preserving your independence long term.
🫙 1. Electric Jar Openers (A True Game-Changer)
👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=electric+jar+opener&tag=driftofftofac-21
Electric jar openers do all the work for you. You press a button, and it grips and twists the lid off without you needing to use force.
Why I recommend this:
No twisting required No strain on thumbs or wrists Reduces risk of injury
🥄 2. Ring Pull Can Openers (Goodbye Thumb Pain)
👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=ring+pull+can+opener&tag=driftofftofac-21
These tools hook under the tab and lift it using leverage instead of your thumb strength.
Why this helps:
No digging nails under tabs Reduces thumb joint strain Small and easy to keep nearby
🖐️ 3. Wrist Supports (Daily Stability Matters)
👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wrist+support+brace&tag=driftofftofac-21
Benefits:
Helps prevent overextension Reduces pain during tasks Adds stability during flare-ups
👍 4. Thumb Splints and Supports
👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=thumb+splint&tag=driftofftofac-21
Why it’s important:
Supports the joint during gripping Prevents repeated strain Helps reduce inflammation
🔧 5. Low-Effort Kitchen Aids You Didn’t Know You Needed
👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=adaptive+kitchen+tools&tag=driftofftofac-21
Look for:
Non-slip jar grips Easy-grip utensils Electric can openers
These help you save energy and reduce strain throughout the day.
💡 What I’ve Learned (The Hard Way)
If I could tell you one thing, it’s this:
Don’t wait until you’re in pain to use support.
I used to think, “I’ll just do this one thing quickly.”
That’s usually when something goes.
Now I try to:
Use aids early Keep duplicates around the house Stop before pain becomes injury
💜 You’re Not Failing, You’re Adapting
Using aids doesn’t mean you’re losing independence.
It means you’re protecting your future independence.
And that matters, especially when you’re raising children and trying to show them resilience in a realistic way.
📣 Call to Action
If this helped you, I’d really love you to:
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📚 References
NHS – Joint hypermobility syndrome Ehlers-Danlos Support UK Versus Arthritis – Aids and adaptations Arthritis Action UK
The bad and your parenting journey 